INFORMATION BULLETIN

2010FOR0045-000373 March 31, 2010

Ministry of Forests and Range

 

BURNS PLANNED TO RESTORE CARIBOO-CHILCOTIN GRASSLANDS

 

WILLIAMS LAKE – The Ministry of Forests and Range is planning prescribed fires for the Deer Creek/Ironwood Springs area of the Chilcotin Forest District between April 1 and April 30 to assist with ecosystem restoration.

 

            The burns will cover up to an estimated 240 hectares, approximately 150 kilometres west of Williams Lake and south of the Chilcotin River.

 

            Historically, grasslands in the Cariboo-Chilcotin were renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires, which prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and maintained open grasslands and forests with large trees. Reintroducing these fires through managed burns will help restore and preserve native grassland plant communities.

 

            Prescribed fires are part of an ongoing restoration effort administered by the provincial government and conducted in collaboration with the Grasslands Conservation Council, the B.C. Wildlife Federation, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society, First Nations and local ranchers.

 

            All burns must comply with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation under the Environmental Management Act. This is the second season managed burns will be applied in the Deer Creek/Ironwood Springs area, weather permitting.

 

            For more information about using fire as an ecosystem restoration management tool, visit www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/Restoration/index.htm or contact the Ministry of Forests and Range staff member listed below.  A factsheet follows.

 

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Media Contact:

Harry Jennings Forest Practices Specialist Southern Interior Forest Region 250 398-4398

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACTSHEET

 

PRESCRIBED FIRE AS AN ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT TOOL

 

·           Fire is a normal, natural process in many of British Columbia’s ecosystems. Many species of birds, insects, plants and animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties.

 

·           Fires help control insects and diseases in forests, and lead to forest succession (younger forests replacing older forests) to create a patchwork of forest ages, which supports biodiversity.

 

·           Prescribed fire is one of the tools used by forest professionals to achieve certain objectives for land management. For example, using fire is appropriate for habitat enhancement, to improve forage for cattle, deer, bighorn sheep and moose, and to reduce fuel loads in interface areas.

 

·           All prescribed fires must comply with the Environmental Management Act’s open burning smoke control regulation, which is in place to minimize the amount of smoke created. For example, burns may be ignited only on days when the venting index indicates smoke will not be trapped close to the ground. The regulation also requires open flames to be out within 96 hours.

 

·           Prescribed fires are ignited weather-permitting to ensure the fire does not create excessive smoke or get out of control. Elements important in determining the date of a burn include the venting index, temperature, humidity and forecast winds.

 

·           Prescribed fires are ignited, monitored and attended by trained crews. The ‘burn boss’ is responsible for ensuring prescribed conditions are met, that the fire is extinguished to reduce unnecessary smouldering and that it does not reignite.

 

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Media Contact:

Harry Jennings Forest Practices Specialist Southern Interior Forest Region 250 398-4398

 

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